Barnsley Museums and Fusion, Barnsley’s Cultural Education Partnership, are thrilled to announce an exciting new campaign, centred around a short film for the recently uncovered local carol "Christmas Eve". The new film, celebrating the carol, engaged the local community and encouraged contributions of photos, videos, voices and personal memories.
Last Christmas, the museums service uncovered a previously lost 90-year-old Christmas carol, which was published in the Barnsley Chronicle in 1933. The carol was written by Barnsley resident and bottle maker Arthur Godfrey, and is inspired by the Christmas Bell chimes which are traditionally rung by some churches at midnight on Christmas Eve.
The short film has been co-created by children and young people from across the borough, working with filmmakers Studio Bokehgo, as part of Fusion’s Festival of Joy. Delving deeper into the history of the carol, the film explores other writing from Arthur Godfrey with contributions from local school groups and renowned poet Ian McMillan.
The film will premiere on Tuesday 10 December at a free senior citizens screening event held at Parkway Cinema, as part of the Know Your Neighbourhood project. The film will also be streamed on Barnsley Museums' YouTube channel on the same day, at 7pm. Additionally, the song will play a prominent role in the Civic Service on Wednesday 18 December in Barnsley. The project has been funded by Arts Council England, Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust and Barnsley Council Children’s Services, with support from Barnsley Music Service and Barnsley Archives and Local Studies.
Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: "This campaign is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate a part of Barnsley's heritage. The involvement of local school groups and contributions from the carol writer’s family add a unique and personal touch to this historic project. I’d encourage everyone to watch and get in the festive spirit, with a Barnsley Christmas song."
The campaign also includes a blog article featuring additional materials from the carol writer’s family, offering deeper historical insights. The carol, which has been performed up and down the country, will be brought to life once again with performances by notable choirs this Christmas.
For more information, please visit Barnsley Museums’ The Barnsley Carol webpage. Fusion’s Festival of Joy raises awareness of Barnsley’s cultural offer, promoting the value of the arts and creativity and shining a spotlight on the talents of our children and young people.
